Search results for "Strain"

LogDet divergence-based metric learning with triplet constraints and its applications.

2014

How to select and weigh features has always been a difficult problem in many image processing and pattern recognition applications. A data-dependent distance measure can address this problem to a certain extent, and therefore an accurate and efficient metric learning becomes necessary. In this paper, we propose a LogDet divergence-based metric learning with triplet constraints (LDMLT) approach, which can learn Mahalanobis distance metric accurately and efficiently. First of all, we demonstrate the good properties of triplet constraints and apply it in LogDet divergence-based metric learning model. Then, to deal with high-dimensional data, we apply a compressed representation method to learn…

The self-reported stress and stressors in tram and long-haul truck drivers

2022

Work stress may compromise professional drivers’ health and driving capacity. Differences between driver groups in terms of on-duty stress are understudied. Therefore, we examined self-reported stress (Stockholm University Stress Scale) of shift-working tram and long-haul truck drivers (n = 75) across 2–3 weeks. Furthermore, stressors were self-reported retrospectively and categorised as related to the job, driving conditions, personal, or other causes. Stress levels were generally low, but moderate to high stress (≥6) was more frequently reported among the tram drivers. Stressors related to the job (54%) and driving conditions (19% of all shifts) were frequently reported among the tram and…

Nuove varianti di Bronchite Infettiva negli allevamenti avicoli siciliani

2013

Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IB) is a disease caused by a Coronavirus, included in Coronaviridae family. The disease, endemic in Italy, affects both broilers and laying hens. It represents one of the main health issue in sicilian poultry farms. The presence of new antigenic variants makes problematic the implementation of an adequate prophylaxis through the use of appropriate vaccines. The present work aims to study the spread of IB strains in Sicily by serological and biomolecular tests in order to investigate the presence of "historical" strains as well as new strains and to carry out the genotyping of viruses isolated. The serological results show that the used vaccination protocols are …

Some aspects of cardiac antioxidant defence: Ebselen (PZ 51) treatment increases glutathione peroxidase activity in the rat heart

1990

Ebselcn (PZ 5 1 : 2-phenyl1.2-benzisoelenazol-3-( 2H)-one 1 is ii synthetic organoselenium compound with anti-inflammatory activity ( I . 21, which exhibits glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)-like activity, catalysing the reduction o f hydrogen peroxide as well as other organic peroxides [3-5]. Its antiinflammatory effect may be mediated by either the GSH-Px activity, the inhibition of leukotriene B4 formation [6], the antioxidant capacity, or a combination of all of them. Many attempts have been made to increase the antioxidant capacity of the myocardium, since free radical generation has been demonstrated in ischaemia-reperfusion damage [7, 81; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase have be…

Application of PGPB Combined with Variable N Doses Affects Growth, Yield-Related Traits, N-Fertilizer Efficiency and Nutritional Status of Lettuce Gr…

2022

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is a crucial agricultural practice for boosting production traits in vegetables. However, N synthetic fertilizers—commonly adopted by farmers—have several counterproductive effects on the environment and on humans. The research was performed to assess the combined influence of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) (Azospirillum brasilense DSM 1690, A. brasilense DSM 2298 and Pseudomonas sp. DSM 25356) and various N fertilization doses (0, 30, 60 or 120 kg ha−1) on growth, yield, quality and nitrogen indices of lettuce in protected cultivation. Plant height, root collar diameter, number of leaves and fresh weight were enhanced by A. brasilense DS…

Characterization of a novel Babesia bigemina gene and its potential use as molecular marker for strain discrimination

2008

Passive RFID Strain-Sensor Based on Meander-Line Antennas

2011

The processing of backscattered signals coming from RFID tags is potentially useful to detect the physical state of the tagged object. It is here shown how to design a completely passive UHF RFID sensor for strain monitoring starting from a flexible meander-line dipole whose shape factor and feed section are engineered to achieve the desired sensing resolution and dynamic range. This class of devices is low-cost, promises sub-millimeter resolution and may found interesting applications in the Structural Health Monitoring of damaged structures and vehicles as well as during extreme and adverse events.

Reference set of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical strains: A tool for research and product development

2018

TheMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) causes tuberculosis (TB) in humans and various other mammals. The human-adapted members of the MTBC comprise seven phylogenetic lineages that differ in their geographical distribution. There is growing evidence that this phylogenetic diversity modulates the outcome of TB infection and disease. For decades, TB research and development has focused on the two canonical MTBC reference strains H37Rv and Erdman, both of which belong to Lineage 4. Relying on only a few laboratory-adapted strains can be misleading as study results might not be directly transferrable to clinical settings where patients are infected with a diverse array of strains, includin…

Resistance to the Bacillus thuringiensis bioinsecticide in a field population of Plutella xylostella is due to a change in a midgut membrane receptor.

1991

The biochemical mechanism for resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis crystal proteins was studied in a field population of diamondback moths (Plutella xylostella) with a reduced susceptibility to the bioinsecticidal spray. The toxicity and binding characteristics of three crystal proteins [CryIA(b), CryIB, and CryIC] were compared between the field population and a laboratory strain. The field population proved resistant (greater than 200-fold compared with the laboratory strain) to CryIA(b), one of the crystal proteins in the insecticidal formulation. Binding studies showed that the two strains differ in a membrane receptor that recognizes CryIA(b). This crystal protein did not bind to the b…

A comparative biochemical, pharmacological and immunological study of Clostridium novyi alpha-toxin, C. difficile toxin B and C. sordellii lethal tox…

1991

The three clostridial cytotoxins, i.e. alpha-toxin of C. novyi (Tox alpha-nov), toxin B of C. difficile (ToxB-dif) and lethal toxin of C. sordellii (LT-sor) consist of single peptide chains of about 200,000 (Tox alpha-nov), 250,000 (LT-sor) and 275,000 (ToxB-dif) mol. wts. ToxB-dif and LT-sor but not Tox alpha-nov cross-reacted with rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Toxicity upon i.v. injection in mice was similar (LD50, 100 hr, 50-200 ng/kg) and was characterized by a slowly developing fluid loss into the interstitial space. When injected into the rat paw the toxins caused a delayed local edema lasting for days. In vitro the three toxins provoked a persistent retraction of endothelial cells cu…